Hoarding (a kind of fencing) around a Southern Tablelands post office is set to remain. Photo: Yass Valley Councillor Allan McGrath Facebook.
The fencing around a Southern Tablelands post office is set to stay for a little longer.
In March 2024, hoarding was set up around the Yass Post Office on Comur Street after concerns were raised about the building’s condition.
It’s still present 18 months later.
An Australia Post spokesperson told Region discussions were ongoing about how to progress with the heritage-listed site.
“Repairs to heritage-listed buildings are complex, and we thank the community for their patience while we continue to seek advice from specialist heritage consultants.”
The Australia Post spokesperson also said its services were operating as normal, despite the fencing.
“Australia Post confirms that hoarding around the Yass Post Office remains in place as a temporary safety precaution for pedestrians, due to deterioration in the building’s facade.
“We’ve recently installed new hoarding and assure customers there is no impact to post office operations.”
It opened in 1884 and was added to the NSW Heritage Register in 2000, where it is described as an example of the Victorian Italianate style.
“The scale, architectural style and location of the building, along with the prominent corner clock tower, also make it a focal point defining the centre of the civic precinct of Yass, endowing it with landmark qualities,” the listing states.
The two-storey building has been an icon on the main street of Yass for generations. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
Yass Valley Business Chamber president Jack Walker said it was important the town’s businesses were supported in their upkeep efforts.
“The main street is a critical asset to Yass and Yass Valley, because of its historical nature, tourism potential and the amenity that it brings to those living in the community,” he told Region.
“What we need to see is support through reducing approval processes, making heritage advisors more available and actually getting funding available to support those businesses … so that Yass’s main street can continue to shine for another hundred years.”
The Yass Post Office isn’t the first regional outlet to face a shake-up of its postal services.
Earlier this year, a temporary post office opened in Goulburn after routine testing found surface-level lead contamination in backroom areas.
The temporary post office provides a full range of services while the remediation works are ongoing.
The rear of Goulburn Post Office, which is also a heritage-listed building. Photo: John Thistleton.
Australia Post also closed its Narooma outlet for more than a year after lead contamination was found in the rear of the building.
It made the move home to its original site in late July, after a makeover featuring a new layout and facilities.
